Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 1 May 2001

Vol. 535 No. 1

Written Answers - Child Care Facilities.

Frances Fitzgerald

Question:

634 Ms Fitzgerald asked the Minister for Education and Science if he will outline the responses to a recent survey of schools by county; if responses indicated that schools have spare capacity and were willing to consider use of such capacity for child care purposes, or have spare capacity being used for purposes which they were willing to make available alternatively for child care purposes; the identity of the schools in question; and when moneys will be made available to these schools to assist them in making the adjustments necessary to their premises for the purpose of providing child care. [11746/01]

Minister for Education and Science (Dr. Woods)

A total of 2,424 schools responded to the survey of spare capacity in schools, of which 200 primary schools and 25 second level schools indicated that they have spare classroom accommodation which they would be prepared to make available for child care purposes. In addition, 153 primary schools and one second level school indicated they have spare capacity which is currently being used for other purposes but which they would be willing to make available for child care purposes. Details of the schools concerned are being sent directly to the Deputy.

The survey is now complete and the information has been passed to Area Development Management Limited for use in targeting State support to areas most in need of additional child care places. It is envisaged that where suitable school accommodation is identified and confirmed, appropriate supports including financial assistance will be made available to bring additional capacity on stream as quickly as possible.

Following a recent decision of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Social Inclusion aimed at streamlining the processing of application for child care facilities, responsibility for State funding for school-based child care initiatives was transferred from my Department to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. That Department has primary responsibility for the development and implementation of appropriate strategies in relation to child care provision.

Some of the funding being provided is intended to promote the release of spare classrooms for use as child care facilities. Under this initiative, grants will be made available to schools where the management makes spare classrooms available for the provision of child care. The funding available could cover the refurbishment of the classroom as well as heating and insurance costs. Details of schemes to support schools in the provision of childcare facilities are currently being considered by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. My Department is co-operating fully with that Department in the development of these schemes.